Metamora has not lost in 2023. They were down 10 in the third quarter and things were looking bleak against a tall talented East St. Louis team. They clawed back, took control with two minutes left in game, hit free throws down the stretch and advance to Class 3A title game against Simeon Career Academy (Chicago).
Metamora 50 East St Louis 43: Metamora showed the heart of a champion, spreading out East St Louis once they got the lead with about 2 minutes left. They can hit threes from all over the court, but was driving to the basket, and either finishing at the rim, getting fouled or both. East St Louis had 8 turnovers in the second half, most of them in the crucial fourth quarter. Flyers also had some missed shots at the rim during that crucial time. That allowed Metamora back in the game.
ETHAN KIZER SCORED 8 POINTS EARLY, THEN HIT SOME FREE THROWS AT THE END: 6'6" senior wing had a key steal in the last minute of the game, but missed the layup. Even with that, the steal killed some of the momentum by East St Louis. South Alabama commit had 16 points (3 for 6 from three) and 7 rebounds.
TYLER MASON ATTACKED THE BASKET FOR SOME KEY BUCKETS: 6'1" junior point guard kept attacking off the bounce in the second half for some big time baskets at the rim. He had 11 points 8 rebounds and 2 steals.
TYSON SWANSON HIT KEY FREE THROWS DOWN THE STRETCH: 6'2" senior guard hit 4 for 4 from the free throw line to seal the game. He had 11 points 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
MACALEAB RICH HAD A BIG TIME GAME FOR EAST ST LOUIS: 6'7" wing Kansas State commit ended up with 19 points 7 rebounds and 2 assists for the Flyers.
Metamora upset Simeon Career Academy (Chicago) in last years semifinal but now have them again, this time in the title game. Should be interesting. Metamora is trying for their first title after losing in double overtime last year. Simeon is trying to send their Coach Robert Smith out with another title into the sunset in his last game.
East St Louis is denied a chance to be only the fourth school to win football and basketball state titles in the same school year.
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